Amante 1530 — the Italian amaro built on the conviction that the spritz deserves better — has officially entered the UK market through a new distribution partnership with Maverick Drinks.

Founded in 2023 by entrepreneur Ana Rosenstein, the brand is positioning itself as the first serious challenger to the aperitivo category’s biggest name, bringing a more modern, versatile expression of amaro to one of the world’s most influential drinks markets.

A new take on amaro

Crafted by Riccardo Cotarella, one of the world’s most respected oenologists, Amante 1530 delivers a profile that is less sweet, not too bitter, and built around Italian citrus, ginger and honeysuckle. At 15% ABV and with around 25% less sugar than the category leader, it’s designed to hold its structure in a spritz while opening up broader mixability — from short, stirred cocktails to sipping neat.

The liquid is produced at Pallini in Rome, one of Italy’s most historic distilleries, where the entire production floor is run by women. All ingredients are natural and Italian, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to modern heritage and elevated simplicity.

A brand born from a belief

Rosenstein left venture capital to build the aperitivo she felt the category was missing. Since launching in the US in 2023, Amante 1530 has expanded into eight countries, doubled growth year on year, and was named Best Brand of 2025 by the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America.

The name itself came from a tarot moment at Il Palagio, the Tuscan estate where the idea was born: the first card flipped was the Lover. Tarot originated in Italy in the 1500s, and Il Palagio was founded in 1530, giving the brand both its name and number.

“Amante exists because the spritz most people drink hasn’t changed in years,” said Ana Rosenstein, founder & CEO. “Drinkers are ready for something more elevated. There’s no better place to prove that than the UK. Our goal is to grow the pie, not cut anyone else out of it.”

She describes Amante 1530 as a modern heritage brand — nostalgic and romantic, yet fresh and versatile.

“It certainly makes for a better spritz, but it also works in cocktails, and many of our customers sip it neat.”

Distributor perspective

Hannah Burden‑Teh, brand manager at Maverick Drinks, says the UK spritz moment is ripe for disruption:

“The spritz occasion has exploded, but the classic Italian bitter spritz — the one most people actually order — has never been seriously challenged. Amante 1530 is the first brand we’ve seen with the credentials to change that.”